Season Recap: KC Area Top Efficiency Leaders

<p>A players basketball efficiency can be measured by points + rebounds+ assists+ steals+ blocks - Missed Field Goals -Missed Free Throws/ Games Played. It helps measure the complete basketball player and who is making the most impact on ball games while doing it at a high level without a ton of negatives to impact a teams chances of winning. We are going to highlight the top 6 on the list of Efficiency leaders in the Kansas City area. Lots of future college players on this list.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824216" first="Jared" last="Gerdes"], 6’8 Forward, Summit Christian, 2021, <strong>PER 26.50</strong>: Gerdes is a beast in all facets of the game, which is why it is no surprise he is at the top of this list in efficiency rating. He can rim protect, guard on the perimeter with effectiveness, and rebound on the defensive end at a high level, while on offense, he has nearly the complete package from the forward spot. Really smooth in the post with his back to the basket and ability to score of either shoulder. The face up game he has his deliberate and effective. He can get to the middle with a big swooping dribble and has a soft touch on his mid range hook and shot ability. He averaged 21.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game and shot a whopping 63% from the field.</p> <h4> </h4> <p>Cole Keller, 6’5 Forward, Grain Valley, 2021, <strong>PER 24.75</strong>: A big time inside-out forward who averaged nearly a double double on the season. Keller has the ability to stretch the flour out beyond the 3 point line, can bang inside, and can attack with bursts off the bounce with either hand. He averaged close to 20 and 10, getting 19.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per game while also filling out the rest of the stat sheet with 2 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. He was also a great rim protect and versatile defender, even recording a 6 block game this season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Griffin Kliewer, 6’3 Guard, Summit Christian, 2021, <strong>PER 23.44</strong>: Kliewer;s stat line was insane this year, impacting the game from a variety of ways and playing off of the big fellow Gerdes, gave Summit Christian, an amazing dynamic duo. Kliewer has really long and active arms on the defensive side of the floor and creates a lot of turnovers which gets him out into transition often, where he excels. Running the floor or leading the break he can get up and score right at the rim, can mix up his jumps to throw off shot blockers timing, and can create for guys running with him. His length, athleticism, and savviness allow him to effect the game all over the floor. Averages of 22.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.9 steals per game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824119" first="Aaron" last="Franklin"], 6’4 Wing, Raytown, 2021, <strong>PER 23.43</strong>: Franklin is a tremendous all around wing player who can get the job done shooting the ball on the perimeter, get you off the bounce and score through contact at the rim, and is a marvel to watch operate in transition. He has great size and athleticism that pair greatly with his guard skills with the basketball. Franklin averaged 22.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game for Raytown this season. He has the size, strength, and speed combination to guard a ton of different players as well, making him a versatile weapon on the wings. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="994440" first="Jaden" last="Monday"], 6’ Guard, Van Horn, 2021, <strong>PER 23.19 (Pictured)</strong>: Monday put together an absolute classic season to cap off an already storied high school career for the Falcons, helping piece together an historic run for the program in this years post season, dropping staggering scoring numbers in the process, but also getting the job done elsewhere too. His explosiveness and change of pace made him nearly impossible to bother in any type of defense this season, and his 3 point shooting continued to improve and become more consistent as well, which was an added bonus to his game. The immeasurable such as hard work, leadership, and competitiveness also shine with Monday. His assist and rebound numbers also stick out as well, making him a standout all around guard. Averages of 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and over 3 steals per game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Bennett Stirtz, 6'5 Guard, Liberty, 2022, <strong>PER 23.06</strong>: Our lone junior on the list, Stirtz is the pillar of efficiency and doing all the things required for his Liberty squad to get wins night in and night out. He shot nearly 60% from the field this season and over 80% from the foul line. His percentages dip a little shooting 32% from there, but he has shown he is more than capable of being a knockdown shooter. He is capable of a double double any night from the guard spot. Stirtz is crafty on his drives, with the ability to stop on a dime and use his length to score soft floaters over the top or knock down a mid range jumper, or stretch out and finish around and through defenders at the rim. With another year to go, expect a big time spring and summer from him and a monster senior campaign which should have him near the top of this list again. Averages of 16.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.</p>